Shelton State signs TA's Chassiti Kimbrell

TUSCALOOSA | Chassiti Kimbrell might have to make some sacrifices while pursuing a nursing curriculum in college, but she doesn’t have to give up softball.

Kimbrell, the lone senior on the Tuscaloosa Academy softball team, signed Wednesday to stay close to home and play for Shelton State Community College.

"I felt like signing was a new thing in my life," Kimbrell said. "It just felt right, I guess. I was nervous, but I was excited at the same time just to see what else is going to happen in my life after high school. I guess it gives you a sense of relief that you have a place to call home now. I liked Shelton State a lot.

"I just want to thank everybody that came out. I had a bunch of friends, a bunch of my family and a bunch of old coaches. I just felt like everybody cared about me this day."

Kimbrell played travel softball with the Tuscaloosa Tide. One of her teammates, Northside senior Karley Watts, recently signed with Shelton State.

Kimbrell has been a pitcher and has played first base and all three outfield positions during her career at Tuscaloosa Academy.

"I want to be playing in the outfield," Kimbrell said. "That’s my main thing that I love to do. I love pitching, too, but I kind of want to go to the outfield even more."

She was an AISA All-State outfielder as a sophomore and was chosen by The Tuscaloosa News as one of Softball’s Best for 2011. Her two-year combined totals include a .471 batting average, a .644 on-base percentage, a .698 slugging percentage and a .969 fielding percentage.

Kimbrell has helped the Lady Knights reach the AISA Tournament in Montgomery two years in a row, and she expects to be a leader this season.

"We have some new girls that came from Brookwood, and then we have some other girls that actually have stepped up and I feel that are actually going to do a lot," Kimbrell said.

"There’s not really that much pressure on me. I mean, yes, I can pitch and, yes, I can do other things, but I feel like I have my team behind me and we can all do it together."

Melanna Wray, Tuscaloosa Academy’s first-year coach, said she expects Kimbrell to be pitching or filling a fielder position in every game.

"I feel like we’re well-staffed in pitching, but Chassiti will of course be one of the main pitchers, and she will play outfield, more than likely center field," Wray said.

"Those are really her two favorite places to play, and so far where I think I will see her as needed by the team.

"Kids can have talent, but if they don’t have the right attitude, there can be a breakdown there. She has the whole package. She smiles. She’s very willing to go the extra mile, which makes you get better. We all can get better every day, and she’s got that kind of attitude.

"If we’re in a game and we’re playing to win, she’s going to be in there. She’s going to be a contributor. I’ve already informed her that I consider her one of the captains this year."

Reach Andrew Carroll at andrew.carroll@tuscaloosanews.com or at 205-722-0223.